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Committee holds bill that would exempt small plug-in solar from interconnection agreements after safety testimony
Summary
Lawmakers heard extensive testimony from Georgia Power, EMCs, municipal utilities, the Georgia Solar Energy Association and a Public Service Commissioner about safety, UL/NEC certification and Utah's experience before the House held HB1304 for further work; the committee suggested exploring a registry and certification requirements.
The House Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Committee on May 20 heard extended testimony on a substitute to House Bill 1304 (LC560587S), a proposal from Representative Barnes that would exempt certain small plug-in or "balcony" solar systems (1,200 watts or less) from the state interconnection agreement requirement.
Representative Barnes said the substitute is intended to make it easier for consumers to adopt small solar devices sold at retail and that many systems include safety features that cut off generation when the grid goes down. "We're just trying to make it easier for consumers to be able to use them at home," Barnes said.
Georgia Power's Wilson Mallard, director of renewable development, told the committee the utility supports distributed solar generally but expressed concerns about a blanket exemption. "As of just earlier…
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